Music Ministry

Music Ministry plays a critical role in liturgical celebrations. Music aids the prayer of the community and helps make our worship truly life-giving. A variety of musicians are needed each year to minister at Sunday Eucharist and various special campus celebrations. Loyola’s Music Ministry enjoys national recognition for its musical artistry, leadership development, and faith formation. The 60-member Loyola Chapel Choir rehearses every Thursday evening and ministers at the 6 p.m. Eucharist each Sunday. No auditions are necessary. Internships in pastoral music are available for qualified applicants each year.

The Loyola Chapel Choir

Founded in 1985 and composed of more than fifty voices and instrumentalists, the Loyola Chapel Choir leads sung prayer at the principal Sunday Eucharist each week during the academic year. The Choir's repertoire includes a wide variety of liturgical music including plainchant, renaissance and classical motets, spirituals, hymnody, and many compositions by popular contemporary composers of sacred music. They have produced four CD recordings: Mass Appeal: Sundays at Six (1996), An Evergreen Christmas (1998), A.M.D.G. Signature of our Song (2001), and Odyssey: Songs for the Journey (2004). In addition to their ministerial role within liturgical celebrations, the Choir engages in outreach to the local community through a number of service projects and social justice activities. Widely recognized for their contribution to leadership among young adults, the Choir has been invited to minister at many Archdiocesan celebrations for youth and young adults, including the annual Lenten Youth Pilgrimage led by Cardinal William Keeler. In October 1995, they were one of only three choirs invited to sing for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Camden Yards in Baltimore. In December 2002, the Choir made its debut at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for "Gallagher Fest", a concert to benefit young people with developmental disabilities. January 2003 marked the first European tour with an eight-day pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Highlights included singing for two Masses in St. Peter's Basilica, including the Papal Mass on the Feast of the Epiphany. In February 2003, the Choir debuted in concert at the East Coast Conference for Religious Education. In April 2004, the Choir presented their first stages musical: "Feast of Life" by Marty Haugen. The Chapel Choir was awarded the Rev. Timothy Brown, S.J. Club of the Year Award in April 2005 for its service to the University and community. We were honored to lead the Baltimore Archiocesan Youth Celebration of the gala Re-Illumination of the Basilica of the Assumption, America’s First Cathedral, in November 2006.

If you are interested in applying or inquiring please contact George Miller at gmiller@loyola.edu.

Cantors and Student Musicians

Singers and instrumentalists are needed to provide music for weekend liturgies. This is a ministry for those willing to commit themselves to practicing their craft-working with others to enable to song of God’s people to rise in joyful praise.

Handbell Choir

The Loyola Handbell Choir performs several times each semester and is limited to ten qualified musicians. Prior experience is not necessary. However, you must be able to read and perform simple rhythmic patterns. Weekly rehearsals are scheduled each semester, and vary according to academic schedules of individual members.

Student Internships in Pastoral Music and Liturgy

Loyola is committed to developing church leaders in the area of liturgical music and pastoral ministry. We are seeking individuals who could contribute to the Campus Ministry program, as well as develop their liturgical and music leadership skills while enrolled as undergraduate students. Individuals should be willing to share their faith journey through reflection and service. Applicants must have strong talent in either keyboard or guitar, choral/folk group directing, and/or voice. Active participation and leadership are expected in the following areas:

Organization and administration of the music program;

Liturgy planning, music selection;

Chapel Choir rehearsals and one liturgy/worship service per week;

Handbell Choir;

EvenSong evening prayer service and other special liturgies;

and Music Ministry Retreat, Lessons and Carols, Baccalaureate Mass.

This internship is a ten hour per week salaried position. For more information, contact George Miller at gmiller@loyola.edu.

Gospel Choir (Chosen Generation)

Chosen Generation Gospel Choir is one of Loyola's widely recognized choirs specifically known for sharing the word and love of Christ through songs. The choir was formed in the Spring of 1998 by a group of students excited to spread God's presence to their beloved Loyola friends, faculty, and greater Baltimore community. The group of students would meet regularly under the student leadership of Andre Ferrell. Soon enough, the choir decided to become an official club on Loyola's campus and George Miller was appointed as moderator of the club. The group also expanded in size and hired an official musical director. As word spread regarding the choir, membership began to increase and Loyola was given valuable opportunities to join together to worship along with beautiful gospel music.

Since then, the choir has grown in popularity and has attracted members from various religious denominations and musical backgrounds. Chosen Generation Gospel Choir holds two concerts a year, one during the Fall semester and one during the Spring semester. These concerts usually feature visiting choirs of other universities or artists from the area. One may also find Chosen Generation singing at various events around campus such as Relay for Life, Jesuit Heritage Week Festival Sing, CCSJ Meet and Eat, and more! The mission of the choir has been, is, and always will be to spread the word of God to others so they are able to fully experience His presence, unconditional love, mercy, and grace in their own lives.

Chosen Generation has also been a part of many other activities such as weekly bible study sessions, visits to Gallagher Center, and nights of fellowship. The choir's rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Chapel.